Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has used the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary to charge Nigerians to renew their faith in the country.
He noted that in spite of the challenges that have assailed the country since Independence in 1960, the country still provides an opportunity for Nigerians to develop and realise their potentials.
In his Independence Anniversary address to the nation and the people of Imo State, Uzodimma said there was no cause for despair, as the country still holds a lot of promise for its citizens in the years ahead.
He argued that instead of some Nigerians bemoaning the challenges, they should join hands with others to further develop the country.
Uzodimma urged them to borrow a leaf from former American President, John F. Kennedy, in seeking what they can do for the country and not the other way around.
According to him, Nigeria and America had a lot of similarities, with a difficult beginning before the North Americans overcame their challenges and circumstances and became prosperous.
The governor said it was imperative for each Nigerian to interrogate his contributions to nation-building before lamenting the difficulties.
While acknowledging that the citizens deserve the right to a better standard of living, they should also make the requisite investments as responsible citizens.
“We must guard against allowing temporary hardships to make us despair about Nigeria itself. We should all remain hopeful of better days,” he submitted.
The governor said Nigeria had survived political crises, economic difficulties, insecurity and other challenges over the past 66 years, noting that the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
He challenged citizens to reflect on their individual contributions to national development, asking: “What have I done to make Nigeria a better nation?”
According to him, patriotism should go beyond emotional attachment to the country, but must be demonstrated through responsible citizenship, respect for the law, tolerance and service to communities.
He urged them to support President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, in his economic reforms to ensure that Nigeria becomes great like America.
Uzodimma acknowledged the economic difficulties facing households and businesses, urging Nigerians to remain hopeful while calling on government at all levels to ensure that policies translate into improved living conditions.
He said his administration would continue to prioritise infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, human capital development, economic empowerment and security in Imo State.
The governor further called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and residents to support security agencies in maintaining peace across the state.
While commending the Armed Forces and other security personnel for their sacrifices, Uzodimma urged Nigerians to reject hate, violence and intolerance.
He said the country’s future could be secured when citizens and government work together, declaring: “The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we are prepared to work for it.”
The event featured a parade by the police and paramilitary organizations, and inspection of the guard on the parade by the Governor; as well as a match past by pupils/students, MDAs, organizations and various groups to display patriotism for the country.
Highpoint of the celebration was the presentation of trophy and cash awards to 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions among participating pupils/students and MDAs in the match past; cutting of Anniversary cake and release of pigeons for peace and unity of the nation.
Those present included the wife of the Governor, Chioma Uzodimma, Esq.; the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and her husband, Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN); Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Aguguo; Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, and members of the State Assembly; President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Mr. Victor Okorie.
Others were the APC State Chairman, Hon. Austin Onyedebelu, and members of the State Working Committee; Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmas Iwu; members of the State Expanded Executive Council; heads of security and paramilitary agencies; the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Dr. Emmanuel Okeke, and other traditional rulers; Local Government Chairmen; stakeholders; captains of industry; heads of MDAs; and opinion leaders in the State.
